- Pattern: kit by Riolis (0078 PT)
- Materials: Pre printed Zweigart 14 count Aida, Anchor floss as kitted, Kreinik
- Size: 16" x 12"
- Time to stitch: 20 days since May 2020
Another member of my magical menagerie is finished!
This is my second kit by Riolis and I knew what to expect (in terms of the colorful chart not matching the floss colors) but it was still a little challenging at times. This chart has so many shades of brown, and really nice shading overall. There is also a significant amount of backstitching, in 3 colors. I substituted Kreinik for the backstitching, like I did on the Phoenix (another kit from this series).
The materials as kitted are fine. I find Anchor floss to be a little "fluffier" than DMC, no problem as long as I cut my lengths a bit shorter. Some of the threads are very close in color. I had to frog a few times, but still ended up with tons of floss leftover. The background design, printed on the aida, is really beautiful. I love the majestic snow capped mountains. I decided to swap in Kreinik for the backstitching because I thought he could use a litttle sparkle, being a fantastical creature. The backstitching was in white, brown, and black/brown. The colors I used are: 5555 (Oyster), 215c (Antique copper), and 010 (Steel Grey), #4 and #8 braid.
I like the shadow under the gryphon; it's a nice touch. The way the gryphon grips the edge of the promontory, with one claw lifted is interesting. It's like an action shot. The wings are massive, as they would need to be to lift the lion body, and nicely detailed.
For awhile it seemed like Riolis was publishing one of these magical creatures, on the pre printed background, annually. This year, the new kit is a couple frogs, very nice image but not magical. Oh well, I still want to stitch their white stag on the Aurora Borealis, perhaps not fantastical, but it does remind me of Harry Potter's patronus.
He is truly majestic and stunning! I love the little changes you made, especially the added sparkle.
Looking forward to seeing what you start next for this series.
Posted by: Joanne P | April 24, 2021 at 02:54 PM
What a truely fantastic finish! I do hope Riolis come up with more of these.
Posted by: Leonore Winterer | May 02, 2021 at 08:57 AM